Squeezing in that extra bit could be doing more damage to your car’s system than it’s worth
By Devin Pratt
Regardless of whether we choose to round up or just fill the tank as much as possible, some people insist on topping off their vehicles with additional fuel even after the pump automatically clicks off indicating the tank is full. Could this excess refueling potentially harm the components within your car’s fuel system?
John Ibbotson, Chief Mechanic at Consumer Reports, states, "There's much more happening inside a vehicle's fuel tank than one might think. Over time, fuel systems have grown more advanced to comply with stringent emissions regulations."
Topping off could damage the onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system, a charcoal canister that collects potentially harmful fuel vapor during the refueling process and then absorbs it using activated carbon. The ORVR helps reduce hydrocarbon emissions by about 95 percent during refueling, according to the automotive supplier Eaton.
Adding more fuel after the gas pump clicks off can damage the charcoal canister by saturating it with fuel and cause the check-engine light to illuminate. If the ORVR is damaged, it won’t adequately capture those harmful vapors. The system typically lasts the lifetime of a car , but reaching full capacity might result in an unnecessary issue. repair That might cost several hundred dollars.
Something else to keep in mind is that topping off your tank could cause gas to be spilled onto the ground, posing a risk to safety and the environment.
In essence, adding extra fuel after the nozzle clicks can be hazardous for both you and your vehicle, potentially leading to issues. The safest approach is to cease refueling once the fuel pump automatically stops.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from an episode of the podcast. Talking Cars .
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit entity collaborating closely with consumers to build a more equitable, secure, and healthy environment. They refrain from endorsing goods or services and do not include advertisements. Copyright © 2024, Consumer Reports, Inc.
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